JOANNA. A sense of dread filled me when Cassandra asked that question..“Who is it?” I asked, my voice shaky.. I was trying to mask my fear. Cassandra pulled out her phone as I watched her in anticipation yet filled with anxiety. She pressed her phone and turned the screen to me. The picture was that of Asher with a woman, the woman’s face was blurry but they were in an intimate position because Asher was kissing her! My heart dropped and it dawned on me that Asher was really cheating on me..“I got it from Asher's phone,” she said, taking the phone down. “I told you he was. Asher has been entangled with a woman for so long already.. You didn't know? Or you were just dumb.. now I don't need to tell you what to do twice…” Cassandra snapped,her lips curved into a sly grin. I stood frozen, unable to articulate my thoughts. I couldn't believe it. It felt so unreal. What if Cassie was faking all of these things just because she wanted me to stay away from her brother. Asher wasn't th
JOANNA. I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. I was met with an unfamiliar ceiling and environment. I sat up, a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me to pause. I waited for the room to stop spinning, my head pounding in my temples. When the dizziness finally subsided, I looked around, taking stock of my surroundings. Where the fuck was I? This wasn't Asher's mansion. This was weird.. Then suddenly, it felt like a memory flashed over. I gasped in astonishment if the things flashing over my brain really happened! Have I been kidnapped by some mafia group! I remember being carried away but had no idea who did so. My heart pounded in my chest still fast enough that I wanted to make it stop. A set up? Cassie? A lot of wild thoughts ran through my brain because I couldn't seem to keep it together. I took in the surroundings again, this was a hotel, an expensive one at that. A suite? . The furniture was sleek and modern, the walls painted a soft gray. A lar
JOANNA. After getting ready and taking the hangover soup, Luther and I left the hotel. I entered his car and his driver drove off with both of us in the back seat. Luther and I had a lot of catching up to do so we were frequently engaging in conversations. He told me how hard it was for him to adjust in Spain and the company as well. “So are you back in New York for good or for a short period of time.” I asked him as the car was stopping in front of Asher’s mansion. We had gotten there already. “Well, that's a secret for now.” He muttered, opening the car door to climb down. “Geez, you are still so full of yourself after all these years, Luther.”I rolled my eyes and climbed down as well..“Don't lie, Joanna. I know you missed me..” He winked and I cringed..“In your dreams” I snapped, curling my upper lips in slight disdain. Daniel quickly rushed to my direction after noticing I came down because the mansion features a sleek automatic gate that swings open with ease so we didn't
JOANNA.. I bit my lips in anxiety, unable to form words while Cassandra and Asher fixed their piercing gazes on me! I couldn't believe what was going on now! Asher was asking me where I was coming after believing his sister over me.. I didn't know Cassie was this cunning! We were friends during childhood but why I'm I seeing an entirely different person? The possibility of Asher cheating on me, I wouldn't trust any news coming from Cassandra because she desperately wants me to leave Asher! Yes, Asher hates me and the woman named Pookie is still unknown but I don't want to believe Cassie until everything is sorted out. Asher’s attitude last night hurt me a lot but I didn't exactly figure out anything to do. “I just needed space to think straight,” I replied in a calm voice.. “What ? Think straight? Is this your style of rebelling now? You never used to be this petty.. Do you want to show the whole world that we aren't leaving happily so that I can lose the company I worked hard for?
JOANNA. Words failed me. I headed upstairs to wet my pillow with tears.. It wouldn't solve anything but at least I wanted to pour out my emotions, it has been so overwhelming lately..I was crying until my phone lit up with a notification..(Hey Jo. This is my new line. You better save up…) I leaned up from the bed and squinted my eyes at my phone screen. There was only one person that called me Jo in the whole wide world, Luther. How did he get my number so soon! I let out a small gasp, picked up my phone and texted back.., ( Luther.. how did you get my line!) (I have my ways..wink wink. I'm sending a dress for you and Cassie for tomorrow night..) he typed back. (You are so weird, Luther. ) (Oh, you meant LuLu?) He texted back that second and I let out a surprised chuckle.. LuLu? Why would he bring up that name now! So I gave Asher and Luther names while we were growing up cause we were always together. Asher was AshAsh.. Luther was LuLu. I only called them those names in return
JOANNA. I couldn't wrap my head around the whole issue but at the same time there was no need to make a fuss because Asher had already asked me to let Cassie have the dress. Night came by so quickly and the red dress wasn't so bad after all.. I packed my hair into a ponytail and applied a little bit of make up. By the time I came downstairs, Cassie was giggling with Asher. The yellow dress fitted her so much, maybe she was right after all.. “We are set. Let's go, Luther must be waiting.” Asher remarked upon seeing me. Cassie smirked at me when Asher looked away and I just heaved a deep breath, clutching my purse tightly.. We headed outside and as usual Cassie rushed to take the front seat. I didn't complain, I just headed to the back and sat down. Maybe I should have used my own car. The drive was a bit silent for sometime before Asher said something..“Joanna, we should put on a good show. Remember my parents and yours will be there! I don't want them suspecting anything.” Asher d
JOANNA.I stood frozen because I wasn't prepared for that question that was thrown to me. For now Asher and Cassie are the only ones that knew of my infidelity. I didn't know how to get through to my in -laws yet and Asher’s mom wasn't at the event..I went mute entirely, like I wasn't out of daze and everyone’s gaze was fixed on me waiting for an answer! But I couldn't seem to form words. “Joanna you went for a test, didn't you?” Cassie broke the silence and the attention went to her. I couldn't really say what she wanted to point out but I don't think it was a good time to expose it. Deep down I felt so bad. I'm unable to produce an heir for one of the prestigious companies in New York. I'm unable to get Asher to love me, I literally felt so useless. “A test?” Mr Clifford repeated. “Yes, she did.. She is in good condition. A baby would come later,Dad” Asher remarked and everywhere fell silent for moment, awkward I would say..“The event is about to start” Luther announced, liftin
JOANNA. I let out a deep sigh, my heart racing, as I turned to Luther with a forced smile. "Nothing, nothing, I'm not doing anything," I said, trying to sound casual.Luther raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "What's going on? You seem a bit off” he asked, his voice low as he tried to peep into the room.. I stood still, tongue tied. I didn't exactly know the excuse to give. Moreover I was overwhelmed with emotions..Luther's expression turned confused as he tried to open the door. "What's going on?" he asked, but I blocked his way, my hand on the door handle. "No, Luther, don't," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I have never been so embarrassed. I don't want anyone to find how messy my marriage with Asher was. Luther looked at me, searching for answers. Why did he even show up? Shit, he is always showing up in the wrong situations. Just then, Asher emerged from the room, his face looking surprised to see me standing there with Luther. He quickly composed himsel
JOANNA. I watched Luther leave with the woman he came with as my heart stung. I had no idea what to feel at the moment. I left Luther for space to think.. It just felt like nature was messing with my head. Everything was super weird to me and I'm trying to give myself time. But I felt extremely guilty for leaving Luther in that condition after he did everything he did to save me. I felt shitty. At the same time I had no idea what to do. Go home to Luther? I wasn't sure yet.. The confession, everything came as a shock or maybe I'm the one assuring myself that because Luther gave hints countless times, I wasn't just paying attention. I was occupied with the thoughts that I saw him as a brother and friend to the extent that no matter how my heart skipped, I didn't want to give in. I wanted a break from love. It was scary.. I haven't recovered fully from what went on with Asher, the pain of it all still lingered and Luther had been a great friend. Would it be okay letting myself lov
JOANNA I forced a smile as I sat down across from him, smoothing my skirt over trembling knees. For a moment, Luther just stared at me. Then, with a calmness that didn’t reach his eyes, he said, “Ms. Wright.” Professional. Cold. It stung more than I expected. Luther had never been that distant with me no matter what. I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way my chest tightened. “Mr. Martins” I answered, keeping my voice steady, even though my heart was hammering against my ribs. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her — the woman he brought. She leaned forward, smiling sweetly as she poured water into Luther’s glass. Her hand brushed his, careful and tender, as she set the cup down in front of him. I looked away quickly, heat rushing to my face. It shouldn’t bother me. Why the fuck was I so bothered? It was nothing. it meant nothing. But every small, careful touch felt like a dagger twisting deeper into my gut. Luther shifted in his seat, wincing slightly
JOANNA . The decision I made, I wasn't so sure if it was the best decision to make but I really needed space. Everything was too much, too overwhelming, I needed space to breathe,to think. What would I do now? This is entirely the turning point of our relationship and every decision I take right now will have a huge impact. I was trying to be careful.. I left very early in morning and decided to lodge in a hotel for a few days until I make a decision. But whenever I remembered how everything happened, how my heart pounded fast when I saw his bare body. There was slow tension between us when I was pulling off his shirts, his abs, his muscles , his dick. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. I wanted to convince myself that it was purely nothing but lust. I don't any feelings for Luther, I don't. I need time to process myself before giving love another chance. For the past few years, i wasn't loved properly. I was forcing a man to love me. Now I don't know what to thi
LUTHER. I woke up, blinking my eyes.. I sat up and for a second, I stayed still, letting the memories of last night settle over me. The way the words had slipped out — raw, honest, unplanned. Joanna never returned to the bathroom yesterday. The way everything happened was quite unplanned and I couldn't hold myself together. I let out all my emotions last night without thinking of consequences. I bet it was too much for Joanna to handle. I wanted to control my thoughts of her but I couldn't, not when she was bare.. I made that ridiculous request last night, it just came out naturally. I didn't even think Joanna would agree to it but it just happened and we found ourselves in the bathroom. I couldn't keep my eyes off her perky round breasts. I couldn't keep my eyes off her sexy curves, not to talk of her features. Joanna might eventually be the end of me. I wasn't in my right senses when I made that confession but I had to keep it going because I couldn't keep that secret forever,
Joanna’s POV Luther’s voice was steady, even as something raw trembled beneath it. "So, what did I do?" he said quietly. "I stayed close. I helped you when you needed it. I guided you when you felt lost. I protected you — even when you didn’t realize you needed protecting." He stepped closer, the distance between us disappearing until I could feel the heat of his skin against mine. "I had to be there for you," he said, softer now. "Every time. Always." I stared up at him, my chest tightening painfully, my heart hammering so loudly I could barely hear anything else. "And now you’re here," he whispered. "With me." He gave a small, broken laugh. "I know I’m not even courageous, saying all this now. I should've said it sooner. But I needed you to know. I couldn't hide it forever. I couldn't place myself as just a friend and a brother when I'm not. I just couldn't keep letting it go that way." His hand brushed lightly against my jaw, a touch so tender it almost undid me. "
Joanna’s POV. I swallowed hard and turned away slightly, tugging my shirt over my head. My fingers trembled, fumbling with the hem, but I forced myself to keep moving, to pretend this was just... normal. Just helping. Out of the corner of my eye, I could feel Luther watching me. Heavy. Focused. When I finally tossed the shirt aside and reached for the clasp of my bra, I heard it — the sharp intake of his breath. I dared a glance at him He was biting his bottom lip, his eyes dark and intent, like he was struggling to keep still. "Luther," I said, my voice a little too high, "you're acting weird." His mouth quirked at the corner. "Everything about this is weird." And somehow, the way he said it — rough, almost hoarse — made my skin flush hotter. I hesitated, every part of me screaming to run, to hide. But something deeper, something reckless and stubborn, made me move toward him instead. I followed his lead. We stepped into the bathroom together, and the door clicke
JOANNA. I felt bad that Luther hurt himself because of me and I wanted to do anything to make him feel better. I was still reeling from the shock of everything. I still couldn't place any thoughts on who would have wanted me dead but I also had to recover because I couldn't dwell on that forever. The Important thing was Luther showed up and I couldn't be less grateful. Luther was such a great person. What if he wasn't available to save me? I followed Luther into his room and he faced me. I helped him pull off the suit jacket before reaching my hands to the inner shirt. I reached for the top button, my fingers brushing lightly against his chest as I undid the buttons as requested . I realised we were too close and my heart kind of skipped but I tried to focus on the task, on the simple motion of button after button, but it was impossible not to notice how close we were. How still he was beneath my touch. "I'm sorry you had to go through that because of me.," I said quietly.
LUTHER. I winced as the paramedic wrapped my hand, the sting of the injury a reminder of what could have been a much worse outcome. Thank goodness I arrived on time to save Joanna. I know how I felt when the thought of something happening to her hit me, I dreaded it and I had to do anything to keep her safe. It doesn't matter if I got injured as long as Joanna was safe. Joanna's eyes met mine, still wide with fear, but she managed a weak smile and I smiled back at her. Dickson stood beside her, his expression grim. "Dickson, I need you to find out who tampered with Joanna's brakes. The car was fine" I said, my voice low and urgent. Dickson's eyes narrowed. "I will get right on it, sir. I will carried out the investigation" I turned to Joanna, who was still shaken but calming down. "Joanna, did anything happen to your brakes before they malfunctioned?" I asked gently. She shook her head. "No, they just suddenly stopped working." Her voice quivered, the shock of everything
JOANNA. I looked up from my work table the moment Gina stepped into my office, a stack of papers in her hands. "Ma'am, here are some new proposals for you to check and review," she said, her voice firm.. I nodded, gesturing to the table. "Okay, just drop them there, please." Gina placed the papers on the table but didn't leave. She stood for some time, watching me. . "What else?" I asked, meeting her gaze. Gina's expression was hesitant, but she spoke up. " Ma'am, There's another thing you need to know, someone sent you flowers." She responded and I furrowed my brows,my curiosity piqued. . "Who sent them?" I asked, my mind racing with questions. I don't currently have anyone that would send me flowers at the moment. Could it be the anonymous person that keeps sending me gifts every year? "The person is anonymous. They didn't leave their name either. give me a minute, ma'am, Let me go get the flowers." She replied and whirled over the office. I directed my attention back